Remote school in 2020 didn't have many silver linings, but there were some—I was gifted a window into Adrienne Patrick's (virtual) classroom. She was teaching fourth grade, and as I sat in the next room trying to work, I overheard incredible lessons about the sun and stars, fractions, geography, the history of indigenous peoples in the US, and the animal kingdom. I watched my child follow Adrienne's lead to paint brilliant animals, to create intricate cut-paper shadowboxes, and to create their own art in the style of famous artists. I also overheard her lead the most amazing class conversations—I remember one in particular in which she asked the ten-year-olds to consider what made them feel safe and respected in a classroom, and then led them reflecting on what it means for every human in the room to feel safe and respected. Her later lessons as Handwork teacher were no less inspiring. We felt so consistently grateful and lucky to have our children in her care.

Now, after twenty years as an (underpaid) Waldorf teacher and with no advance planning or financial cushion, Adrienne needs to navigate a new path outside the classroom. All who know her know that she has so much to offer, and await her next pursuits with excited anticipation. Getting to there, though, will be a huge financial challenge.

We hope that everyone who loves Adrienne—everyone who has benefited from her helping to shape their children into good humans, who has been touched by her brilliant art, who has learned from her wisdom—will contribute. Together, we can help bridge the gap between Adrienne's last pursuit and whatever pursuits will dazzle us next.